How Do I Permanently Delete My Facebook Account?

To permanently delete your Facebook account, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Accounts Center, then Personal Details, then Account Ownership and Control, and select Deactivation or Deletion. Choose your Facebook account and select Delete Account.

Facebook also offers a direct deletion page at facebook.com/help/delete_account. Log in, click 'Delete Account', and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your password and complete a CAPTCHA to confirm.

Like Instagram, Facebook has a 30-day grace period. After you initiate deletion, your account is deactivated but not yet deleted. If you log in within 30 days, the deletion is cancelled. After 30 days, deletion begins and can take up to 90 days for all data to be removed from Facebook's backup systems.

Before deleting, download your Facebook data. Go to Settings, then Your Facebook Information, then Download Your Information. Select what data you want (posts, photos, messages, etc.) and Facebook will create a downloadable archive.

Consider deactivation instead of deletion if you are unsure. Deactivation hides your profile and makes you invisible on Facebook, but you can reactivate anytime by logging in. Your data is preserved, and Messenger can still work during deactivation if you choose.

Note that some data may persist even after permanent deletion: messages you sent to other people will remain in their inboxes, and log records are retained for up to 90 days for security purposes.

Practical takeaway: Visit facebook.com/help/delete_account or use Account Center to start deletion. Download your data first and remember the 30-day window to cancel.